The months of September and October are packed with interesting activities at Heart of Sharjah, the historical restoration project led by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), which entails restoring the traditional heritage areas of Sharjah and linking them together.

With a series of six workshops specialising in a diversity of creative and cultural fields, Heart of Sharjah has brought the opportunity to people across age groups to explore their creative interests, as they practice local and international handcrafts.

September Workshops

Starting with “Heard in Al Arsa” workshop on 21 September, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Heart of Sharjah will be taking their audience on a journey of historical discovery during this workshop that will be organised at Majlis Al Dama in Souq Al Arsa. The workshop would be perfect for collectors and appreciators of vintage objects, and for ages 13 and above. Encouraging the participants to stroll around the Souq and find  sound-creating objects, which signifies the souq’s atmosphere as it has many antique stores. Participants will collect the objects that create sounds and create a video of findings to post under the hashtag #HEARD_IN_ALARSA.

On September 28, handcrafted musical instruments makers, Howlin’ Roosters Guitars & Such from Dubai are going to lead an interesting workshop Vintage Box Instrument, at Majlis Al Dama in Souq Al Arsa from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.,.  The workshop will take music enthusiasts with a knack for building instruments, around Souq Al Arsa on a hunt for vintage boxes that they will use to create their own music instrument with Howlin’ Roosters’ specialty guitar-making equipment. The workshop is priced at AED 400, and for ages of 13 years and above.

Khalid Deemas, General Manager of Heart of Sharjah, said: “Being the historical nucleus of Sharjah, it is our constant endeavour to organise activities that will help both locals and residents explore, appreciate and learn about the historical and cultural foundations of our peoples and also internationally. The fact that the destination is a historical restoration project brings a distinctive old-worldly charm, which visitors can enjoy as they partake in our carefully-crafted workshops focused on celebrating the finer details of our past, things that make us who we are today. I encourage everyone with an interest in creative arts and the UAE’s history to participate.”

October Workshops

The month of October will be inaugurated with a Cyanotype Workshop on the 5^th , and is a perfect opportunity for those interested in photography to learn about the camera, photography tools used, and developing solutions. Participants will be taking pictures in Souq Al Arsa and will also develop their film on spot. The three-hour activity from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. is priced at AED 300 and can be attended by those 13 years and above.

On 12 and 19 October respectively, a Wood Block Fabric Printing and Leather Making workshops will be hosted at The Majlis at Heart of Sharjah. Both workshops will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and cost AED 200. The former is a golden opportunity to explore natural dyes, which have been used by the UAE’s local women to decorate their fabrics for decades, and incorporate these environment-friendly tactics to create smart, contemporary designs inspired by a traditional practice. The leather-making workshop is a great way for participants to learn about the tools and tactics used by leather markers to create customized wearable products.

The last workshop will be held on 26 October, with Al Mawrooth Perfume Making Workshop. This specialty workshop will focus on the specific art of ‘Mukhamariya’ making – a special type of oud made in musk and saffron varieties, aged and passed on from one generation to the next. This three-hour activity from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. costs AED 300 and is a great way for all those who have an interest in perfumes and family heirloom, to learn about this unique characteristic of Emirati culture.

For more information and bookings contact events@HeartofSharjah.ae